Skip to product overview

Minolta 400mm f/4.5 APO G Telephoto Lens

The Minolta 400mm f/4.5 is a 400mm f/4.5 lens designed for Minolta A mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Minolta 400mm f/4.5 APO G Telephoto Lens

Minolta 400mm f/4.5 APO G Telephoto Lens

Get notified when one lists.

We'll text or email you the moment a Minolta 400mm f/4.5 APO G Telephoto Lens is listed on GearFocus.

Have a Minolta 400mm f/4.5 sitting in your bag?

You'd be the first listing for this model.
Serious buyers are already watching — list yours in minutes.

Sell your Minolta 400mm f/4.5 on GearFocus

Available Now on GearFocus

Lens Overview — Minolta 400mm f/4.5

The Minolta 400mm f/4.5 APO G is a prime telephoto lens built for the Minolta A mount, designed to cover full-frame image sensors. With a fixed focal length of 400mm, it targets photographers who need serious reach for subjects at a distance — think wildlife on the edges of a field, athletes at the far end of a track, or birds in flight against an open sky. The maximum aperture of f/4.5 gives you a reasonably bright working aperture at this focal length, helping to maintain faster shutter speeds in variable light conditions and providing background separation when your subject demands it.

At 2000g, this is a substantial piece of glass, so a sturdy support system is worth factoring into your kit planning. The lens accepts 72mm filters, which is a manageable front element size for a 400mm prime. Autofocus is supported alongside manual focus, giving you flexibility depending on your shooting situation.

There is no built-in image stabilization, so technique and support matter all the more. This lens is a solid option for Minolta A-mount shooters seeking long-reach prime performance on full-frame bodies.

Key Features — Minolta 400mm f/4.5

400mm f/4.5 Prime: Fixed 400mm focal length with a maximum aperture of f/4.5 delivers dedicated long-reach performance with a reasonably bright working aperture for this class of lens.

APO G Optical Design: Apochromatic glass elements minimize chromatic aberration across the frame, producing sharper images with better color fidelity at long distances.

Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover a full-frame image circle, making it compatible with full-frame Minolta A-mount bodies without vignetting.

Minolta A Mount: Native Minolta A-mount fits Minolta and Sony Alpha DSLR bodies, with Sony A-mount cameras supported via full electronic compatibility.

Autofocus Support: Camera-driven autofocus allows for fast subject acquisition alongside a manual focus option for precise control when needed.

72mm Filter Thread: Accepts standard 72mm filters, a practical and widely available size that keeps filter costs manageable for a 400mm prime.

Lens Specifications — Minolta 400mm f/4.5

Minolta 400mm f/4.5 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesWildlife, Sports, Birding
Lens TypeTelephoto
FormatFull Frame
Zoom/PrimePrime
Focal Length400mm
Maximum Aperturef/4.5
Camera SystemDSLR
Lens MountMinolta A
AutofocusYes
Focus TypeAuto, Manual
Image StabilizationNone
Filter Thread72mm

Description — Minolta 400mm f/4.5

The Minolta 400mm f/4.5 APO G is a prime telephoto lens built around the Minolta A mount, offering full-frame sensor coverage for photographers working at long distances. Its fixed 400mm focal length and f/4.5 maximum aperture make it well-suited for scenarios where subject distance demands serious reach without sacrificing too much light. Weighing in at 2000g, this is a lens that commands respect in terms of how you carry and support it — a monopod or tripod will serve you well in the field.

The 72mm front filter thread allows standard filter use, and focus options include both auto and manual, giving you the control to switch between disciplines as your subject demands. Image stabilization is listed as None, so shutter speed selection and support technique are important considerations when working with this lens. As a dedicated prime in the telephoto range, it is purpose-built for photographers on the Minolta A-mount platform who prioritize focal-length commitment and optical focus over zoom convenience.

Pros — Minolta 400mm f/4.5

  • ✓Fixed 400mm focal length delivers dedicated long-reach performance for telephoto work
  • ✓Maximum aperture of f/4.5 provides a bright opening for a 400mm prime
  • ✓Full-frame coverage ensures compatibility with full-frame Minolta A-mount bodies

Cons — Minolta 400mm f/4.5

  • ✗No image stabilization, requiring disciplined technique or external support at 400mm
  • ✗Weight of 2000g makes handheld shooting demanding for extended sessions
  • ✗Minolta A-mount limits compatibility to that specific camera system

Videos — Minolta 400mm f/4.5

Minolta Autofocus (AF) Lenses: Top Picks — Mr Baz Reviews

Resources & Downloads — Minolta 400mm f/4.5

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Minolta 400mm f/4.5

What camera mount does this lens use?+
The Minolta 400mm f/4.5 APO G uses the Minolta A mount. It is designed for DSLR camera systems that accept this mount.
Does this lens cover full-frame sensors?+
Yes, the lens format is specified as Full Frame, meaning it is designed to project an image circle that covers a full-frame sensor without vignetting.
Is there image stabilization in this lens?+
No, image stabilization is listed as None in the specifications. Photographers should account for this when shooting at 400mm, particularly in lower light or when handholding.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 72mm filter thread, so standard 72mm filters for polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass can be used directly on the front element.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 2000g. This is a substantial weight to carry, and using a tripod collar or monopod is advisable for sustained shooting sessions.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
Yes, the lens supports both autofocus and manual focus. Autofocus is available when paired with a compatible Minolta A-mount body that supports AF operation.

Similar to Minolta 400mm f/4.5

Loading similar products...